Eczema and asthma: the link

It's estimated that more than six million Australians have suffered from eczema at some stage of their lives - and more than 90% developed this condition before their fifth birthday.

Medical experts have long been mystified by why so many eczema sufferers also develop asthma and allergies - what they call ‘the atopic march'.

While many parents believe that allergies develop into eczema, it is actually the other way around with atopic dermatitis - also called eczema, the recurring inflammatory and non-infectious skin condition which usually pops up as a red, scaly rash on the face, behind the ears or on the scalp - being the root cause of the asthma and allergies that can accompany it.

The eczema and asthma link

Eczema, hayfever and asthma all have one major thing in common - they're all essentially inflammatory disorders of the tissues that separate the body from the outside world.

Studies show that 50-70% of children with severe eczema go on to develop childhood asthma. Historically, the connection between the two conditions has been a mystery but new research has perhaps hit upon the connection. It has shown that a substance secreted by damaged and broken skin (caused by the itchy eczema) moves through the body and can trigger asthmatic symptoms.

These findings suggest that the early treatment and control of skin rashes caused by eczema may stop asthma developing.

What causes eczema?

According to the Eczema Association of Australia (EAA), the exact causes are still unknown although the condition appears to be linked to several genetic and environmental factors. These include:

Genetics - a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever (the strongest predictor). If both parents have eczema, there is an 80% chance their children will to. Food triggers - dairy and wheat products, citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, seafood, chemical food additives, preservatives and colourings have been known to trigger a flare up in some sufferers.

Irritants - these can include tobacco smoke, chemicals, weather (hot and humid or cold and dry conditions) and air conditioning or overheating.

The good news is, though, that while eczema affects up to one in five children, it's estimated that up to 90% will grow out of it by puberty.

Treating eczema

The EAA says it can be as simple as keeping skin moisturised to prevent outbreaks becoming nasty. “Well-moisturised skin also helps block out germs that cause infections,” the EAA says.

But if this fails, the most popular form of treatment is the application of topical corticoteroids that help reduce inflammation and itchiness. Most topical corticosteroids are available on prescription. However, some milder strengths are available from your pharmacy.

If you think the triggers may be dietary or allergens, you can seek advice from a nutritionist or have your little one tested for allergies.

“If you have eczema, it's so important that you find a health professional who you feel comfortable with and who is knowledgeable about eczema,” says the EAA's president, Cheryl Talent. “The EAA is a really good resource for information about keeping your eczema under control.”

3 natural eczema remedies

If you are looking for ways to relieve the symptoms of eczema without having to resort to prescription creams, here are three of the best remedies around:

Probiotics: studies have found that probiotics given to pregnant women high at risk of having children with eczema and then their babies can reduce the occurrence eczema in children.

Gels and creams made from herbal extracts chamomile, liquorice, and witch hazel: these have been found to reduce symptoms of eczema. But talk to a qualified practitioner as some herbal extracts can actually inflame skin conditions.

Cold compress: place a cold compress on the affected areas of the skin twice a day. Many sufferers claim this both eases the rash and relieves the discomfort.